Leader’s replies to Senators’ requests
The Leader addresses outstanding requests on gangland crime, maritime planning, household-debt transparency, constitutional duties, economic conditions, music-industry support and mortgage relief, indicating that some matters may be scheduled or raised elsewhere.
I cannot accept the amendment on gangland crime. He also mentioned that the motion on maritime spatial planning should not be taken without debate. I cannot agree to that for the reasons I have outlined, but I will try to have a debate on it at a future date.
Senator Hayden spoke about the Central Bank and stated that €400 million of household debt has been written down. She rightly sought more transparency. While we laud the figures that have been outlined, there is a need for greater transparency from the banks in that regard.
Senator Crown suggested that Members of the Oireachtas should sign an oath of allegiance to the Constitution and Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on the matter. It is certainly something that could be debated in the House, perhaps in the context of the Constitutional Convention. When we have reports on that, we could include that item in that debate. It is a novel suggestion from Senator Crown.
Senator Kelly spoke about people being jailed for non-payment of fines. The Fines Act has been passed by the Oireachtas, but I understand there have been difficulties with its implementation and we will certainly try to find out the details of those difficulties. I understand that issues of computers and compatibility are delaying the implementation of the Act. I agree that there is a need for an attachment of earnings for people not paying fines. It should be deducted either from salary or any other means people have. They certainly should not be sent to jail, especially given the cost involved in doing so.
Senator Cullinane raised a number of items which were raised on the Order of Business yesterday. I can assure him that free GP care is still firmly on the Government agenda and will be delivered on. He also mentioned the lack of jobs. Some 1,000 jobs a month net are being created in the private sector, compared with a loss of 250,000 jobs in that sector prior to the Government taking office. So there are significant improvements. Let us look at the glass being half full rather than empty all the time.
Senators Paul Coghlan and O'Sullivan also complimented the Kerry Group. Senator O'Sullivan also wished that the talks led by Mr. Kieran Mulvey will be successful. We all hope those talks will bear fruit. The last thing we want is to have disruption in the public service which certainly would not benefit the public. We hope those talks will reach a successful conclusion.
Senator Moran spoke about symphysiotomy, which she has raised on a monthly basis. She asked when Dr. Walsh's report would be published. I will try to get an exact date if I can elicit that information from the Minister and report to the Senator on it. She also raised the question of orthopaedic paediatric services and services for children with Down's syndrome. I suggest that she table a motion for the matter to be taken on the Adjournment and get a direct response from the Department.
Senator Norris spoke about privatisation and we know his views. Obviously there are significant differences on the Independent benches in that regard.
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He also called for a debate on the economy and as I mentioned the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will be here early in July.
Senator Mooney asked for the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, or the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, to intervene in the issue of the lack of support for the Irish music industry by RTE radio stations in particular. Again that matter could be raised on the Adjournment.
Senator Mullins complimented all those involved in the Arbour Hill commemoration and also raised other local matters.
Senator Quinn spoke about a mortgage break and what happens in the United States.
We can have those discussions during our debate on the economy.
Senator Noone called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline to the House how he intends to deal with the disruption during construction of the new Luas lines. I will ask the Minister for an update in that regard. Senator Ó Murchú advised us to take our duties as legislators seriously. I think all of us would agree with the sentiments he expressed.
Senator Colm Burke spoke about the Civil Law (Missing Persons) Bill and the report by the Law Reform Commission on the difficulties of dealing with the estates of people who are missing. He raised valid points and we will try to have the Bill introduced to the House in early course. I will accede to Senator Zappone's request to deal with No. 16 before No. 1 and accept her amendment to the Order of Business. Senator O'Keeffe called for a debate on early child care. I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss that issue. Senator White will also be taking part in that debate and she outlined her concerns on the matter.